Based on SNK's successful arcade technology, the Neo Geo AES (Advanced Entertainment System) sent shock waves around the globe when it was first released. It effortlessly outmatched rival machines, but at a high price - the console was totally out of reach for most gamers, with a massive price tag for both hardware and software. Those willing to sell a kidney to fund the purchase were treated to some of the most stunning games of the era.

SNK soon became famous for producing fighting games such as Fatal Fury, King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown, but the NeoGeo is home to some other genre classics too, such as the sublime Metal Slug series.

Thanks to arcade sales, developers supported the Neo Geo format well into the '90s, and it's only recently that games have dried up.

Read our Neo Geo hardware focus